Chicago White Sox: Tony La Russa hiring entirely on Jerry Reinsdorf
By David Hill
The Chicago White Sox have a new manager due to the ongoing regrets of owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
It really should not be that much of a surprise. The Chicago White Sox interviewed Tony La Russa for their vacant managerial position, and effectively ended their process. It was seemingly a matter of time before the job was his, with the official announcement coming on Thursday.
However, that hiring was not exactly well received within the organization. Essentially, this is a move made by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, making up for 34 years of regret.
The hiring of Tony La Russa has ruffled feathers in the White Sox organization. A number of employees have concerns about his ability to connect with younger players and how he will adapt to the field after being away 9 years.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 29, 2020
This was a Jerry Reinsdorf decision. Simple as that.
La Russa had gotten his managerial start with the White Sox, taking the helm in 1979 after Don Kessinger‘s attempt at a player/manager role. He spent nine years with the White Sox, finishing over .500 four times and winning the AL West title in 1983. He was considered one of the top young managers in the game, even towards the end of his run in Chicago.
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But the 1986 season was difficult. The White Sox had stumbled out of the gate to a 26-38 record, leading then general manager Ken Harrelson to convince Reinsdorf that La Russa needed to go. After he was fired, the former White Sox manager was picked up by the Oakland A’s, where his Hall of Fame career truly got on track.
Reinsdorf, meanwhile, could not get over the firing, calling it the biggest mistake of his ownership. This ignores the fact that the White Sox have had some success in that time, even ending their own World Series curse in 2005. It also ignores the solid job that Rick Renteria had done with a young roster, helping the team develop into a playoff contender.
But that did not stop Reinsdorf from pining after La Russa. The job was his if he wanted it, even if the White Sox manager needed to stand outside his window holding a boombox over his head to convince him. Any other candidate be damned – Reinsdorf was going to get rid of his 34 years of regret.
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Tony La Russa is back with the Chicago White Sox. This decision entirely rests upon the head of Jerry Reinsdorf and his inability to let the past go.